Unilever appoints Srinivas Phatak as new CFO

FMCG major Unilever has announced the appointment of Srinivas Phatak as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. This makes Phatak the first Indian to hold the role at Unilever.

He previously served as the CFO of Hindustan Unilever between 2017 and mid-2021.

Phatak, who was serving as Deputy CFO and Group Controller, was named acting CFO in February 2025 after the company initiated a search for a permanent successor. Following the process, Unilever’s board unanimously approved his appointment to the role, as well as to the Board and the Unilever Leadership Executive.

Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez said Phatak had been a strong partner in his role as acting CFO, highlighting his “financial rigour, strategic clarity, and sharp eye for value creation.” Fernandez added that Phatak’s leadership would support the company’s focus on volume growth, margin expansion, and execution across channels.

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Phatak is also an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Coats Group plc.

As CFO, he will receive annual fixed pay of €1.175 million, with eligibility for an annual bonus, performance share plan awards, and localisation support, in line with Unilever’s existing remuneration policy. Details of his pay package will be included in the company’s 2025 Directors’ Remuneration Report.